Spark intensifier



Patented Jan. 22, 1229.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JQHN'MILES BARTLEY, OF LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR 1'0 GENERAL COM- BUSTION COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF CALIFORNIA.

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Application filed March 16, 1928. Serial No. 262,125.

The invention relates to spark intensifiers for the ignition systems of internal combustion engines. The device employs the principle heretofore known of using secondary gaps in the high tension wires leading to the spark plugs and hasfor its primary object the provision of an improved device employing this principle, (1) which is simple in construction and applicable to ordinary distributers, and (2) wherein all of the secondary gaps can be adjusted simultaneously and equally at one operation and closed when desired. One embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: V

Figure 1 is a plan view of the device. Fig. 2 is a vertical section on the line 11-11 of Fig. 1. And Fig. 3 is'a detail view.

Referring to the drawings, 1 is a distrib- 0 uter block, and 2 is a terminal block mounted thcreabove so that it acts as a cover for the distributer block, being supported at its sides by the brackets 3, 3, The distributer block is mounted for rotary adjustment about the pivot 4, and has a connection with the spark lever (not shown) whereby it may be conveniently adjusted to give the spark gaps any desired width, as later described,

The terminal block 2 consists of insulating material, such as bakelite, provided with a series of sockets, carrying the metal bush'ings 5, 5, 5, etc., in which are mounted the spark contacts 6, 6, 6 of metal, or other suitable electrical conducting composition. Making electrical contacts with the bushings are the split metal terminal members connected to the wires 7,7, 7, etc., leading to the spark plugs of the internal combustion engine with which the device is designed to be used. High tension current is supplied by the wire 8, having the split terminal member 9 fitting into a metal-bushing 10, into which also fits the upper end of the pivot 4. This pivot conducts the current through the pivot 4:, the spring 15, and contact 16 to the contact plate of the rotor 17. Rubber sleeves 10* secured to the ends ofthe wires 7 and 8 and fitting over the bosses 10 assist inpreventingthe accidental displacement of the wires, or entry of moisture or dirt into the bushings 5.

The distributor block, which is also preferably of bakelite, is provided with a series of spark contacts 12, 12, 12, etc. similar to the contacts 6, 6, 6, etc.,'and similarlyspaced around the pivot 4. These contacts are mounted in brass bushings 13, 13, 13, etc., which are electrically connected to the arm 18 of the rotor beneath, so that high tension current is supplied to the contacts one after the other.

Between the top of the distributor 1 and the terminal block 2 is a plate 14: of insulating I materlal, such as bakelite, through which the the ordinary ignition system, but when separated, a secondary spark gap is provided in each of the high tension circuits through the spark plugs, and this has the efl'ect of intensitying the sparks at the plugs. This effect can be regulated and adjusted by rotating the distributer moreor less to, increase or decrease the length of the. secondary gaps. The length required depends, on conditions, one fourth inch being an average length.

The device also serves as a means for interrupting the spark plug circuits entirely when the distributer is rotated to a degree such that the current will no longer spark from one set of contacts to the other set. The device permits all ofthe gaps to be adjusted at one time and to the same extent.

What I claim is:

1.1m combination, a terminal block for an ignition system having a series of spark contacts arranged around the center of the block, a distributing block mounted in opposition to the terminal block for'rotary adjustment about said center as an axis, and a second series of spark contacts on the. distributing block arranged around said axis with a spac-- ing similar to that of the first spark contacts so that in one position of the distributing block each contact engages one of said first spark contacts and so that in another position of said distributing block, the contacts are separated to provide secondary spark gaps.

2. a terminal block in opposition with one block fixed and the other mounted for rotary adjustment with respect thereto, and a se- In combination, a distributer block and I ries of spark contacts on each block similarly spaced and mounted on similar arcs described about the center of rotation of the movable block, said contacts lying in the high tension circuits of an ignition system, and the ends of the two sets of contacts being arranged so that the gaps between the pairs of contacts may be regulated by turning the movable block about its center of rotation.

3. In combination, a terminal block for an ignition system having a series of spark contacts arranged around the center of the block, a distributing block mounted in opposition to the terminal block for rotary adjustment about said center as an axis, and a second series of spark contacts on the distributing block arranged in series around said axis and adapted in one position to engage said first spark contacts and in another position to be separated from said first spark contacts to provide secondary spark gaps, the terminal block having a depending flange which fits down over and surrounds the distributing block.

4. In combination, a distributer block and a terminal block in opposition with one block fixed and the other mounted for rotary adjustment with respect thereto, a series of spark contacts on each block similarly spaced and mounted on similar arcs described about the center of rotation of the movable block, said contacts lying in the high tension circuits of an ignition system, and the ends of the two sets of contacts being arranged so that the gaps between the pairs of contacts may be regulated by turning the movable block about its center of rotation, and a guide plate of insulating material between the two blocks and having the spark contacts of the movable block extending therethrough.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name.

JOHN MILES BARTLEY. 

